Birthday wishes bring thoughts of wonderful world' This is my birthday week and I love it. I have had calls and songs and cards and I am having so much fun. I have several "birthday sisters" too and that is fun to share it with them so Evelyn and Wenda, happy birthday. So my joints might ache a little more than in the past, my wrinkles show more than I'd like and I am more full figured these days. Full Story

'KING FOR A DAY' 'KING FOR A DAY' Rockdale Intermediate School fifth grader Blake King was named this year's Luminant Scholar for Rockdale ISD. Luminant, the state's largest power generation company, sponsored its annual scholar program in select Texas public school districts. The essay-writing contest provides fifth graders an opportunity to share their thoughts on the state of the environment and how they can improve it, with the authors of the top essay at each school winning $1,000 saving bond scholarships for their future education. Presenting the check to King were Luminant Scholar Director Robert Gentry, Rockdale ISD Supt. Howell Wright and Rockdale Intermediate Assistant Principal Kurt Streck. Full Story

Using credit wisely is key to consumers' financial well-being In today 's economy, many people find their spending spiraling out of control and borrowing money to live on from month-to-month. Debt reduces your net worth and the interest you pay on credit card balances is money that cannot be saved or invested. Debt is good for purchasing a home, an automobile or paying for a college education. Full Story

RUBBING ELBOWS— RUBBING ELBOWS—KRXT DJ Roney Castor (right) was recently invited to attend Grammy award winner Ruben Ramos's Grammy 50-year celebration in the music business. Roney, the owner of Ritmo Tejano, the Saturday evening Tejano music program, was invited by Latin Fusion TV based in San Antonio. The celebration honoring Ruben "El Gato Negro" Ramos was held in San Antonio at the historic, Cadillac Bar. Castor was a presenter at the 1982 Tejano Music Awards. KRXT owner Charlie McGregor said Castor is a "true professional." Full Story

DPS graduates 69 new troopers AUSTIN- The Texas Department of Public Safety graduated 69 troopers Oct. 9 from the DPS Training Academy. "I congratulate the 138th class of graduates. Every day state troopers are protecting our citizens utilizing the valuable skills you gained in the training academy. You are joining the finest state law enforcement agency in our nation," said keynote speaker State Rep. Full Story

IN BUSINESS Doing business as.... Business filings in the Milam County Courthouse over the past week included the following: Assumed Name Chris D. Krenek dba Krenek Services (v. 1,111, p. 160). Full Story